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To: Craig Stevenson who wrote (19254)	11/10/1998 7:29:00 AM
From: Neil S	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 29386

Gadzoox Networks Unveils New Open-Standard Switching Technology for Storage Area Networks SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1998-- Innovative, Standards-Based "Storage Switch" Technology Receives Broad Endorsement by Leading Server, Storage and Networking Partners Gadzoox(R) Networks, Inc., the leading global provider of SAN (storage area networking) solutions, announced today a technology that enables a new class of switching products for open SANs. The advancement, known as "storage switch" technology, promises to lessen the cost and complexity associated with the current class of SAN switch products while maintaining open industry standards. "As the leading SAN networking company with the largest installed base of hubs and switches, we know the importance of extending the capabilities of the SAN while preserving the investment in existing products and industry standards," said Dave Tang, vice president of marketing at Gadzoox Networks. "By implementing a fresh approach to the emerging need for switching, we've created a cost-effective, open class of products that will enable more mainstream deployments of SAN switches." By taking the best of existing SAN products and SAN standards, storage switch technology blends the simplicity and robustness of the Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop protocol with the ability to dynamically switch and segment SAN traffic. As a result, storage switches provide the ease of plug and play operation with existing SAN servers, storage subsystems and hubs without the need for the operating system, firmware or hardware changes that may be required by backbone Fabric switches. In addition to per port costs that are half that of backbone switches, storage switches also defer the need and the hidden costs of transitioning to backbone Fabric switch technologies. Storage switch technology is also designed to complement existing SAN networking devices and will emerge as intermediate tier storage switch products that are positioned between backbone Fabric switches and storage hubs. Storage switches complement these surrounding tiers by creating a smoother, more cost-effective transition step towards higher capabilities and increased scalability. The technology will support thousands of terabytes of shared storage and is expected to offer switching bandwidths in excess of 20 gigabits per second. In support of the open standards-based technology and its ability to reduce the cost and complexity of SAN switching while protecting existing investments, the "storage switch" technology is being supported by a broad group of industry leading server, storage and networking companies. These companies include 3Com, CLARiiON Advanced Storage Division of Data General Corporation, EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Hitachi Data Systems, Intel, and Seagate Technology. "IDC believes simple implementation, investment protection, and the ability to apply prior knowledge and practices will accelerate the adoption of SAN switching technology. Most SANs have been based on simple, low complexity hubs," said Robert Gray, IDC Storage Analyst. "FC fabric switch benefits have been limited by the complexity, cost, and interoperability issues. Gadzoox bridges the gap with their new Storage Switch Technology." Based on its development and recent demonstration of the industry's first switch engine ASIC supporting storage switch technology, Gadzoox expects its first storage switch products to be available in early 1999. About Gadzoox Gadzoox Networks, Inc. is the global leader in SAN (storage area network) products. The company brings innovative networking solutions to storage with highly scalable, managed SAN solutions based on Gadzoox' full range of Fibre Channel hubs, switches and management products. Gadzoox' product strategy fully supports building the enterprise SAN architecture in a modular fashion while providing maximum investment protection for the existing infrastructure. Headquartered in San Jose, Gadzoox is privately held. For more information, visit the company's Web site at gadzoox.com or call 888/423-3222. Note to Editors: Gadzoox is a registered trademark of Gadzoox Networks, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. --30--slw/sf* mr/sf CONTACT: Gadzoox Networks, Inc. Dominique Becker, 408/361-6143 dominique@gadzoox.com